Val’s Crafty Corner — Sand Play Bakery!

This springtime recipe for creative play is brought to you by Melissa & Doug, and is written by our Blog Ambassador Valerie Deneen. Enjoy taking your kids’ creativity outdoors!

One of the activities my kids look forward to the most every spring is playing outdoors in the sandbox! They can spend hours happily playing together, engaged in their own imaginary world. I love that it is such a simple activity they both truly enjoy. Recently, they opened their own sand play bakery, which kept them very busy!

There was so much to do: measuring, sifting, stirring, baking, decorating, taking orders for custom cakes and cupcakes, and so much more. This sand play bakery was seriously popular with many highly satisfied customers!

Like many forms of pretend play, sand play is a great activity to develop early problem-solving skills. Sand cakes won’t mold properly? Try adding a little more water, or perhaps a little more sand. Have a customer who demands colored decorations on her cupcakes? Try adding some flowers or seashells. There are so many possibilities!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to deliver this exquisite custom sand cake for the mermaids’ seaside party. Delicious!

Perfect for traveling! We’ve partnered with our friends at Highlights for Children to bring some extra creative fun to your children this summer, with our FREE 10-page Boredom Busters printable activity book for kids! Check it out!